dating tips & galentine's day in loungewear

happy galentine's day!

so listen, i don't know if you know, it's valentine's week. if you've gone to target, you know. everything is red and pink and heart shaped. it's the hallmark day of all holidays. YIPPEEEE! now, if you're single, this is what you do --> you go buy yourself loungewear -- because NOTHING says 'i love myself' like some soft joggers and a loose thermal top. #seriously. feel free to add a disco ball sippy cup for good measure too. jokes aside, you get what i'm sayin'. treat yourself to something because you deserve it! if you find yourself waving the single-awareness flag, wave it proudly and refer to this quote below.

“life is always about the JOURNEY and never the destination.”

and your journey could a lot bumpier than others, maybe you even get stuck in some muddy patches along the way, but that's life. you gotta trust the process -- that it will lead you to where you need to be in the end. live consciously in this moment, laugh at the confusion, and embrace it because at any moment, it will change. know that you have never missed out on anything that is meant for you, and that the next best thing is just around the corner. you see, there is so much that happens to us that we have very little/no control over. the only thing we have control over is our self -- our emotions & reactions. knowing and understanding this will give you so much peace in any life situation. i promise. not sure where i wanted to go with all that. but i hope you took something away?! i spend a lot of time writing for google, but most of the time i'm writing for myself #selfentertained and to reinforce positivity. we can always use that right?! 

besides #selflove it's also about the little things in life too. like how all that valentine's day candy will be on sale at target, so you'll know where to find me come February 15th. :D xx ok, i'm out. see ya next week.

side ramblings: this past week was filled with some fun events! i was able to check out @sonestabeecaveatx at the hill country galleria, their @meridian98lounge has a great view and don't get me started on the bacon wrapped dates... the night ended with a small tour of some shops at the galleria. my favorites were @milkandhoneyspa and @manaculture! the weekend was the grand opening of @theartofshoesaustin in the cutest house were i was able to meet the owner and participate in a DIY shoe accessory workshop. overall, a fun week of socializing!

PS--i had so much FUN writing the last part of this post and hope you'll read the rest!

>>MY DATING TIPS/TIDBITS CLICK the READ MORE button!

currently on my playlist: bad at love by Halsey

that time my lil blogger sis @simplyyvan asked me to be apart of her @urbanoutfitters photoshoot!

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why am i single? well, it's because i haven't met my EQUAL, i wouldn't let anyone into my life unless they were AWESOME. the single journey for me has been quite interesting. a recent article came out describing Austin men as the WORST when it comes to dating (so glad i bought a house here!). i've learned SO MUCH along the way. i mean geezus to be able to talk to a complete stranger takes major skill. deciphering text messages, picking up on when you're about to ghosted or breadcrumb-ed or whatever the new term is should be resume skills at this point. the internet, social media, online dating, and having access to people 24/7 have made us a REALLY. SAD. BUNCH. who lack human decency. the standard is set SO LOW. how low? i mean i'm shocked when someone actually messages me back! here are my tips/tidbits whether you're a man or woman when it comes to dating (because let's face it, i'm better with bullet points):

  • trust your intuition/gut, it's usually 99% correct (head > heart)
  • when someone shows you who they really are, believe them
  • actions > words 
  • consistency is KEY
  • vulnerability is strength and in the right hands this is the best gift you can give someone
  • exemplify human decency = treat others the way you want to be treated (golden rule, duh, sad i even have to type it)
  • be direct & use raw/honest communication
  • HAVE FUN! expect nothing but be prepared to be pleasantly surprised
  • silence actually speaks volumes. no answer is an answer. SOOOO ironic isn't it? 
  • when it comes to online dating, you probably have one shot to win someone over so bring your A game = best version of you, this shouldn't be hard for you! 
  • ghosting? breadcrumbing? zombies? = ain't nobody got time for that
  • when you start blaming yourself, STOP IMMEDIATELY because...
  • it's really hard to mess up the right thing (if there is anything you take away, THIS IS IT!)
  • when it's right, it should feel easy
  • good things TAKE TIME
  • stop making excuses for other people
  • stop thinking about what you feel and remember what you deserve
  • a good man will never keep you waiting by the phone no matter how busy they are. think about how much time it takes to send a text. literally NO TIME. and trust me, if you haven't heard from him, i'm 120% sure his fingers haven't fallen off
  • if he likes you, he will squeeze out any ounce of time to see you, even if it's just 15 minutes to see your face! TRUST ME 
  • never underestimate the power of SPACE. space allows someone to miss you, to yearn for you. THIS IS WHAT YOU WANT
  • until you're exclusive, date like men = HAVE OPTIONS because 95% of men will fall off the face of the earth (and bc they're doing the same thing to you)
  • texting less actually creates more excitement when you meet in person
  • men respond to distance. not words. so stop trying to explain yourself!
  • what you chase runs away. never chase ANYONE
  • know that not everyone is going to like you (even though you're a bad ass) and you're not going to like everyone. attraction is not a choice
  • master EMPATHY
  • don't let some bad experiences harden your heart
  • rejection teaches you what's not meant for you
  • don't let dating or a man be everything in your life. do things you love, hang out with people who make you feel good. for me, it's about working out, blogging, hanging out with my GFs and family, going to events, photography, making a list of next eateries to hit up, working on my house. your life and happiness come first
  • at the end of the day, it's about being genuine in every interaction. be compassionate. be the change you want to see in the world. seems futile but i believe that change starts with YOU
  • have the strength to walk away (with dignity) and the patience to wait for what you deserve. AND this is why you should work on your backside, so that you LOOK GOOD WALKING AWAY. just sayin'
“happiness is letting go of what you assume your life is supposed to be like right now and sincerely appreciating it for everything that it is. at the end of this day, before you close your eyes, smile and be at peace with where you’ve been and grateful for what you have. LIFE IS GOOD.”
— marc & angel

the twist back sweater

couldn't let a winter season go by without OTKs (over the knee boots).

sometimes you come across a pretty good shein.com find, even if it's at 2AM. #score. i'm always on the fence about this online store because 75% of the time the stuff doesn't work for me and the fact that it takes FOREVER to ship. when it arrives you're like "oh yea.. i did order that." i know, #FWP. but everything i ordered was a keeper -- stay tuned! while i love mock neck, loose, and more practical sweaters, i am always drawn to the slouchy ones that you can pull off as a one shoulder. sometimes a lil skin never hurt anyone!! the front seems like a normal sweater but the back actually has a twist/knotted detail #sexyback. the good thing is that you can still wear a normal bra with this so def a bonus in my books. also works for a casual valentine's/galentine's outing!

side ramblings: it's hard to believe that it's FEB. YIKEs. i took a good break from all social media and blogging. it's funny because i actually had people messaging me asking if i was okay because i wasn't posting lol. and by "break" i mean three weeks, which is quite a bit for me -- going to bed at a decent hour, actually GETTING SLEEP. it's kinda crazy how when go from being sleep deprived 24/7 to actually getting sleep... you are even more tired. #cantwin. i'm also excited that the event world is picking up this week, it's been so dead lately but i'm looking forward to getting back on "the scene" with my girls! oh and #SXSW is just around the corner!!! hope y'all have a great week ahead and thanks so much for stopping by!

currently on my playlist: there for you by Troye Sivan ft. Martin Garrix

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top | Shein twist detail infinity sweater in burgundy (avail in 5 colors) -- available with a pearl embellishment // similar by LOFT // similar by ASTR // similar by Topshop
denim | Hudson Jeans nico mid-rise skinny jean in abbey wash (old) -- similar // love these by Citizens of Humanity // similar and $64
bag c/o | Henri Bendel noho satchel in black pebbled leather -- same but more structured // similar and love this style because the handles fold down 
shoes | Unisa saranaa over the knee boot in black suede (old) -- current style // similar from Target! // love the low heel more
sunglasses | Celine caty sunglasses in black -- similar
earrings c/o | Amanda Deer fan ear jackets in gold
necklace | Amanda Deer satellite choker in gold // Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace 
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

rock all the sexy sweaters,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

mustard & leopard print

for the love of mustard. (the color).

because i am actually not a huge mustard fan UNLESS i'm eating a corn dog. somehow it always comes back to food for me. i digress. documenting my first mustard colored item to the JDC closet. it's a REALLY WARM sweater and NOT itchy, so that's a good start. the side tie detail really sells it for me, just a small like cinch on the side makes it a not-so-regular-sweater. and the shoes. i've wanted some slip on mules pretty bad lately, mainly because how easy and comfy they look. i decided i perhaps needed a printed one. 

side ramblings: so the YouTube thing is not as easy as i thought it would be, i know, #shocker. just press a button and record. uh no. so many things to consider, esp lighting, time of day, set-up, and sound. anyways, chugging along at that, you should see the bloopers. not sure if YouTube will be my thing but i'm up for the challenge. also, the @KendraScott spring 2018 collection released last wednesday! i am such a fan of the photography behind the collection!! i was lucky enough to receive some pieces from it and cannot wait to wear them out! pieces that were sent to me revealed via an unboxing on instastories were the: nettie statement necklace, the betty stud earrings, and the tiana pinch bracelets (perfect for small wrists!). other noteables that i am eyeing include: the diana statement earrings in blush pearl (also in gold if you're not into gems), the kitty statement earrings in blush mix (pretty ombre pattern!). 

currently on my playlist: Dreamer by Axwell

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top | LOFT Lou & Grey ribbed tie sweater in golden ember -- similar but longer by Free People and on sale // similar and $20 // similar but round neck
denim | Hudson Jeans nico mid-rise skinny jean in abbey wash (old) -- similar // love these by Citizens of Humanity // similar and $64
bag | Louis Vuitton pouchette metis in damier canvas -- similar by Rebecca Minkoff
shoes | Steve by Steve Madden valente mules in leopard print -- same shoe on sale for $70 // similar in black // similar by Kristin Cavallari 
earrings c/o | Red Dress Boutique statement earrings in ivory (old) -- similar by BaubleBar
necklace c/o | gorjana chloe mini necklace in gold -- choker version
sunglasses | Celine havana sunglasses in tortoise -- similar // similar and on sale for $90
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

photo credit: Brandon Hill

the sweater dress & leather jacket

sweater dress = wearable blanket.

at least those are my thoughts. growing up i was always skeptical about sweater dresses but i've learned that the the key is to go loose and layer. this one was sent to me from @lillap! it has the cutest front pockets and a the v-neck hits at the perfect length. i actually wanted to style this sweater dress with a pair of over the knee boots #OTKs since i haven't done one this season yet, but it was a little too long for some OTKs #shortgirlprobs. next best thing was some pointed toe stiletto booties. the last thing this outfit needed was a layer -- scarves, sleeveless trenches/duster, a jacket, etc.. so enter the opportunity to finally wear this black leather jacket under $100. this jacket feels like it costs much more AND THE BEST PART is the gold hardware to match all my gold jewelry. i think that's why i barely wore my other one! 

side ramblings: over the new year holiday, i literally did NOTHING. i watched a few movies -- Wonder Woman (so good), The Big Sick (chick flick) and Pitch Perfect 3 (gotta love them pitches!) and lotsss of YouTube -- here's a clip of the one that had me rolling at 2AM Ellen in Steve Harvey's Ear #hysterical. yea, i probably should have worked on my YouTube channel.. but some lazy days are really needed. last week, i received an unexpected package from one of my favorite skincare brands, @TATCHA -- they sent me their newest The Deep Cleanse: it's a gel cleanser (my preferred type) and contains "natural fruit exfoliant that deeply but gently lifts impurities and unclogs pores, while leaving skin soft and hydrated." can't wait to give it a try. also, very random, but i can't stop wearing @AmandaDeer jewelry lately! gimme all the #daintyjewelry. i recently purchased the satellite choker which i can't stop wearing, everyday i look for an outfit just so i can wear this thing lol. pictures coming soon! ok, i'm OUT. xx

currently on my playlist: all the stars by Kendrick Lamar, SZA

the sweater dress & leather jacket -- jannadoan.com
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the sweater dress & leather jacket -- jannadoan.com
the sweater dress & leather jacket -- jannadoan.com
the sweater dress & leather jacket -- jannadoan.com

dress c/o | LILLA P cotton modal sweater dress in black (wearing size small) -- similar // similar with tie sleeves and $49 // similar in a mock neck // similar with a v-back
jacket | BlankNYC life changer faux leather moto jacket in black (TTS wearing size small, also avail in cognac) -- similar // similar in suede // similar by H&M and $60
shoes | Banana Republic magda pointed toe bootes in black suede (old) -- similar with a kitten heel // similar // similar by Topshop
bag c/o | Henri Bendel noho satchel in black pebbled leather -- same but more structured // similar and love this style because the handles fold down 
sunglasses | Karen Walker number one sunglasses in black
earrings | Kendra Scott tessa studs in clear
necklace c/o | BaubleBar aimee layered choker necklace (old) -- newer design
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
watch c/o | Daniel Wellington classic petite melrose 32mm in rose gold and white

rock the sweater dress (and possibly sleep in them too),
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill

blush & burgundy

hello 2 0 1 8 !

ah here we are, first post of the new year so you know i had to go with a pleated midi skirt. :D in case you're new around here, i own probably eight pleated midi skirts. no joke. i LOVE them and they're actually my best selling item; so chic, so feminine -- SO ME. here's a throwback to my most hit page last year: the lace crop top & blush pleated midi skirt (actually.. it's pretty funny how i shot this current post at the same location...). let's talk about this color combo, blush (pulls more towards the nude side) + burgundy? #digginit. never thought to mix the two together, but love the two contrasting colors together and that little bell sleeve of the sweater really brings it all together. 

side ramblings: 2018 is gonna be hard to top since 2017 was such a good year for me, i mean... i bought a freaking house #adultstatus!! i finally marked New York Fashion Week #NYFW off my bucket list. more importantly, as a person, i started to say no to more things i should have said no to in the past because i didn't want to be mean. on the flip side i also said HELL YES to things that i would normally be afraid to do. i started to carefully evaluate how my time was spent -- what i was doing and who i was spending it with. i started to draw boundaries when they were overstepped. i started to tolerate less BS. more than ever, i started to do so much for MYSELF -- if i wanted to go see or do something, i wouldn't wait around for anyone's schedule to align to go with me, i'd go alone, i'd eat alone. i've come to embrace the entity that is ME. cheers to 2018. the best is yet to come. 

currently on my playlist: new rules by Dua Lipa

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top | Banana Republic merino wide sleeve boat neck in burgundy (TTS, goes in and out of stock) -- similar // similar by LOFT
skirt | ZARA accordion pleated midi skirt in blush (old) -- similar // similar with a slit // similar but velvet and $23 // similar but maxi length
bag | Louis Vuitton pouchette metis in damier canvas -- similar by Rebecca Minkoff
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent -- similar by Sam Edelman // similar by Ann Taylor
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

rock the pleated skirt,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill

#2017bestnine

fall florals

or is it winter florals?

i do love me a good floral print, however, i don't own much of it and the pieces that i do own are all spring/summer colors.  so when i saw this i thought, why not?! it's black (my favorite color to wear) and it's floral. i thought i'd give it a whirl. #norhymeintended. plus, this dress has pockets, comes in petite sizing (ain't nobody got time for alterations), and it's work appropriate. my dilemma was really the shoes. normally, i wear floral print with flat thong sandals but that wasn't gonna cut it even for fall in texas! so the next best thing was my new leather pointed toe booties that i've lusted over for a while now. so glad i got them because they're such a great alternative to all my suede ones i own -- comfy/almost flat heel and perfect with this maxi, or jeans/skirts/dresses for a touch of edgy street style. trust me, you can rock em! 

i can't believe this is my last post for 2017. something about the new year always brings good vibes, new goals/hopes/dreams/beginnings. it's a good feeling isn't it? whatever change it is that you're seeking in your life, or whatever it is that you want to achieve... NOW is the time to make it happen. it definitely won't be easy but oh boy it’s going to be worth it in the end. sending you my mantra/hashtag #cantstopwontstop

SEE YA NEXT YEAR! xx

currently on my playlist: sunrise by Kygo ft. Jason Walker

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celebrating 33 years

howdy, 33!

this post is a tad late because i was too busy celebrating and stuffing my face last week. from dinners, lunches, brunch, snacks, sweet treats (LOTS), gifts, flowers, messages, etc... i have some pretty dang good people in my life. but really though, glad i took these photos before eating for 10 people... not joking. my thoughts (or more like ramblings) on turning 33 after the jump! 

THIS DRESS. i've always wanted a sparkly dress and this was a good first one because it is not full-on-sparkle. ALSO, it has a very pretty textured design to it which actually adds to the flattering fit. it is a little on the tighter side than what i normally wear, but what the heck, i'm 33. might as well; and hey nothing spanx can't fix! i love the long sleeve one shoulder and the fact that it is a midi that really hits at the right length (i'm 5'2" short). it makes the PERFECT NYE dress! this shoot was again one for the books, i mean look at that AUSTIN view -- looking good #ATX! oh, and my photographer, brandon, almost fell in the pool on this cold day, LOL. lastly, check out my instagram for a chance to WIN THIS DRESS! the giveways i've been running have been so fun, it feels so good to give something away for the holidays so i hope you'll join in! see ya next week, xx.

currently on my playlist: meant to be by Bebe Rexha ft. Georgia Line

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BUT hold up... wait a minute.. 33?! come on.. forealzzz? where the hell did three decades + three years go?!?! you know what's funny is when you ask and answer the question of where you see yourself in five years and then when you find yourself there, life looks completely different than you imagined five years ago. well, that's been my. whole. life. basically. it has never turned out as planned. like. nothing. (insert nervous laughter). so the best plan is to not have one; solid advice, i know. at least for life. everything that went "wrong" led me right here -- i have to say, it's a pretty good spot. i thought i'd be married -- maybe? have children -- possibly? am i anywhere near that? um...... no. my life is completely different from all my friends i grew up with; they have all seemed to move on with the typical life progression. there is no denying that our lives have become un-relatable and vice versa. no ones fault. but i guess my journey is just different and i can't help but to believe that there is beauty in that. or at least.. that's what i'm sticking to!

my friend sent this to me ages ago (thanks GF you know who you are), i frequently refer to it when i need some perspective: 

It takes six million grains of pollen to seed one peony, and salmon need a lifetime of swimming to find their way home, so we mustn't be alarmed or discouraged when it takes us years to find love or years to understand our calling in life.
Everything in nature is given some form of resilience by which it can rehearse finding its way, so that, when it does, it is practiced and ready to seize its moment. This includes us.
When things don't work out - when loves unexpectedly end or careers stop unfolding - it can be painful and sad, but refusing this larger picture keeps us from finding our resilience. Then, sadness can turn into discouragement, and pain can spoil into despair.
As the many grains of pollen birth the one flower and the many eggs spawned birth the one fish, each person we love and each dream we try to give life to brings us closer to the mystery of being alive. So, we must try as many times as necessary until our many loves become the one love, until our many dreams become the one dream, until heart and path feel the same. // the book of awakening

i have to remind myself this all the time, but i think it's really important to focus on the "things" that i have in my life and the things that are going right versus the things that i don't have or aren't going "right." sometimes you gotta put blinders on and not pay attention to anyone around you but yourself and the path ahead that is meant for you. one foot in front of the other, one day at a time. some days it can be hard, but other days it can be so gratifying. there is something to be said about going on a path completely alone, without any co-dependency, and no one to turn to at the end of the day except yourself. it sounds a little sad, but by golly, it makes you one hell of a strong person i tell ya. so cheers to the road less traveled, cheers to the little victories, & cheers to 33 -- i plan on crushin' it. xx 

dress c/o | Maggy London zipporah midi (TTS, wearing a size 2) 
shoes | Jimmy Choo abel pumps in black patent (old design) -- current design // similar 1 // similar 2
bag | DVF lytton clutch in black quilted leather (old) -- similar and $68 // similar 
earrings c/o | BaubleBar eve hoop earrings in white -- similar but with sequins // another great holiday option
sunglasses | Le Specs air heart 51mm sunglasses in black & gold -- similar but more cat eye // similar but more rectangular (love these)
bracelet | Vita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold -- similar
lips | Christian Louboutin velvet matte lip color in rouge 001M (FAVE RED) -- similar in a matte liquid
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

#cantstopwontstop,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill
a post done in collaboration with Maggy London. 
dress provided by Maggy London, all opinions are my own.
special thanks to the Westin Austin Downtown for the backdrop!.